China says there are still major differences in the talks

Following ongoing negotiations between China and the EU on taxing electric vehicles, Chinese officials revealed on Thursday that there are still major differences in the negotiations as the EU has not responded positively to issues that concern the core concerns of the Chinese and European industries.

'So far, China has shown maximum sincerity and flexibility, and the two sides have made important progress in some areas,' He Yadong, spokesman for China's Ministry of Commerce, told reporters at a news conference Thursday, according to China News Service. 'But there are still major differences in the negotiations because the European side has not responded positively to issues involving the core concerns of Chinese and European industries.'

He said that the Chinese side has officially invited the European technical team to come to China at an early date to continue the next stage of face-to-face consultations, and has made all preparations for this and is waiting for the reply from the European side.

He Yadong also revealed that China is studying measures such as raising tariffs on imported large-displacement fuel vehicles, and will make a decision carefully after taking into account various factors.

Last October, the EU launched an anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles and imposed temporary tariffs on electric vehicles imported from China from July. On October 4 this year, the EU voted to pass the tariff bill, and the tariff on Chinese electric vehicles exported to the EU will be greatly increased to a maximum of 45%. With the vote, the new tariffs are expected to go into effect next month and last five years.